Behind the Shadows
"Have you been raised by wolves? Do you have no patience? Keep off of me and let me work!" Maiestas raged from his position where he was bending over a bed sick Minako. The poisoned girl still twitched and jerked and had still not awakened but the wounds on her neck and wrists were much improved. Still, Rei could not help pestering the old healer by hovering over him and anxiously pacing behind his back. Finally fed up, the Mercurian exploded.
Rei, shocked by this exclamation, gasped "How dare you speak to me like this! You are not my equal!" she announced in a very powerful tone.
Maiestas, as he tenderly bandaged the blonde's healing wrist, half turned his head and chuckled "I expected Martian's to be much more humble than that my lady. I apologize for speaking out of turn, especially since I am a mere servant" he hissed sarcastically.
The miko blushed profusely and "humbly" sat down by the window "That was not my intention. I simply referred to the fact that I am a Martian and you are a Mercurian. Unabashed scolding or inappropriate pleasantries should be avoided between planets, I have not come here to socialize" she said correctly and without a hint of embarrassment.
The old man grinned as he properly stood while cleaning his hands with a moist cloth "Ah, then again I do apologize. I shall remember this and will be sure to inform the other princesses, including Lady Minako-chan, that you do not wish to be disturbed with unabashed or inappropriate business. Again, I apologize" he finished before slowly striding away from the bed and giving the miko a quick and evil glance.
"No! you mustn't! I'll...inform them myself, it would be rude to do otherwise". - Rei cried before quickly regaining her composure, she calmly sat back down - "Well? How is she?" she asked quietly, just barely able to hide her urgency.
"Oh! Yes, of course! The Venusian princess will survive, as I have told you on several occasions, it is simply a matter of time before she awakens from the shock. I only regret you will have to spend the night in one of the smaller, dirtier rooms. I have already arranged your stay somewhere suitable, the Jovian princess's chamber should be satisfying"
The Martian shook her head at this "No, no. I will stay here. I don't believe I'll be sleeping anyway, I feel much too nervous and thoughtful" she answered offhandedly.
"Lady Rei-chan that, pardon me for saying so, seems quite unabashed and inappropriate, wouldn't you say?" Maiestas slithered slyly.
The miko waved her hand angrily before grunting "Spare me your scoffing. Besides, the Jovian princess is up and well and I would feel much too uncomfortable putting her out" she said before getting up and beginning to pace anxiously again.
"That should not be a concern my lady, the Jovian girl will not be spending the night in the palace"
Rei stopped in her spot and gazed confused at the old man "Oh? And why not? Is she well enough to leave? Has she resigned her place as Princess Serenity's guardian?" she asked almost amused.
"Oh no, it isn't that. Circumstances have changed my lady, you see...I probably shouldn't say..." - Maiestas said lazily and feinting concern - "...well, I suppose you will find out soon enough. The garment which poisoned Lady Minako-chan has been found as well as the culprit who sent it directly addressed to her. Shall I go on?" the treacherous man said with a crooked smile, the next words almost oozing out of his mouth.
000
"Are you sure you wouldn't want any help?" Makoto asked from her spot on the bed. For the last ten minutes she watched as Ami, bent over the fireplace, tried to light the humid logs in it. Perhaps it was the useless wood or the girl steadily watching her from behind but the genius could not light the fire.
"It's alright, I think I can do it" Ami grumbled bashfully as the thick and long piece of wood in her hand withered away along with it's flame.
The taller girl chuckled before standing up and gently kneeling next to the smaller girl who fumbled harder with her task at her arrival. The next stick broke and they both looked at each other before beginning to giggle. Defeated, Ami sat back and sighed "I'm sorry, I've seen how to do it but I've never actually tried. I suppose you think I'm spoiled or...silly...I don't know" she whispered with sorrow.
"That must make me spoiled and silly as well..." - Makoto laughed as she sat back next to Ami - "I've never made one myself. Back on Jupiter it isn't very cold, only humid from the rain and the fire we have...it's only used for light in the nights" she said kindly, staring at the sad fireplace in front of her.
"At least we still have candles...and very dusty blankets" the smaller girl said before giggling stupidly. Her own reaction caused her to shrink and quickly become nervously silent. Makoto's jaw grew wide before she laughed in pure amazement.
"That's very rude Lady Makoto-chan" Ami resentfully and clearly angered.
The brunette held her quivering mouth and took some deep breaths to calm herself "I didn't mean to upset you, I just found your remark very funny. Forgive me" she said earnestly before placing a soft hand on the girl's shoulder who immediately flinched. They both grew silent again.
"My mother is right. Such bonds are dangerous and they corrupt the soul...and our mission. I'm sorry Lady Makoto-chan, I'll stay the night because now I cannot leave but by morning I'll be gone. Goodnight" Ami said sadly before treading lazily to the bed and hiding herself under the covers, her body as far away from the other end as possible, her eyes tight in fear.
Makoto stared in awe at the sudden reaction, too bewildered to speak. One quick thought ran through her mind as she got up and motioned herself over to the still bed - Why she had not read or remembered anything about Mercurians? Were they all so...cold? - The questions became dull when she realized how tired she was. Deciding she could maybe speak the next morning with Ami, Makoto crawled into the stale smelling bed and also turned away from the girl sleeping on the other side. With the pain still throbbing on her wounded side, she preferred to sleep on her back but unlike her sleeping mate, she was prone to twisting and turning and with her long figure, she decided to respect the Mercurian's sense of space. With a long and masculine yawn, the Jovian closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep.
Unconsciousness grew darker and night was at it's wildest...
A sweet and almost unnatural air penetrated Ami's scent and taste before she opened her eyes. She took a moment, inhaling the freshness and beautiful aromas she had only barely enjoyed in the palace's garden. The colors filled her senses, a blooming pink rose filled her mind just as she slowly flittered her sleeping eyes and looked up at Makoto, hovering over her with a deep and sincere smile.
"Mako-chan...why do you smell so wonderful? Come closer..." the bluenette breathed as she gently pulled the girl laying over her into her body. With her fingers, she traveled along the strong muscles curving the Jovian's back. Meanwhile, Makoto stroked blue hair and treaded lustful kisses along the neck of her companion, leaving tender yet passionate marks. The two heaving girls began to kiss passionately, ignoring their moans which undoubtedly left the strange room they were in. Ami, frightfully but burning with passion, lifted her gown and smiled.
"Touch me, please"
Makoto grinned devishly as she lifted herself from the girl under her - "I also have a gift for you, I'm sure this one will be much more fitting than Minako-chan's" she said before quickly presenting a knife from under her pillow and plunging it into Ami's stomach not only once but several times. The blood was too much, it seemed to be drowning the entire room until her own throat was gurgling hot redness; the brunette's harsh laughter rang deeply in her ears, her soft yet horrifying cackling in her mind -"Weak and spoiled fool..."-.
rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai, zen! Evil spirits, begone! rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai, zen! Evil spirits, begone!" rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai, zen! Evil spirits, begone!"
"Would you stop that, please! I've had enough!"
Ami was awakened with a small but eerie gasp by the sounds so close to her. She quickly sat up to a very dim vision of Makoto sitting up next to her and flailing her hands all around. An unknown person was standing by the taller girl's bedside and was apparently trying to exorcize her.
"Lady Rei-chan! Is that you? Show yourself!" the genius demanded as she fought hard to keep her eyes open.
With a small wisp the closest candle lit and surely the miko was standing in front of Makoto, holding various charms. Before Ami could protest, the exorcisms continued.
rin, pyou, tou, sha, kai, jin, retsu, zai, zen! Evil spirits, begone!" the miko cried as she threw her fourth scroll at the Jovian's head. Makoto sat still and simply blew off the piece of paper sticking to her forehead before beginning to shake furiously. Before her strong fists of rage could strike, a soft, very soft hand took her arm gently.
"Makoto-chan, please, be calm" Ami said calmly as she pulled the taller girl's arm away, the muscles under her hand confused her body and caused her to breathe heavily.
"It's me Lady Ami-chan! She's bewitched, keep away!" the miko cried before taking out another scroll and literally by magic burning a flame in the fireplace where before it was impossible.
"I'm not a witch you...you crazed person!" Makoto screamed as she tried to untie herself from the bluenette's now unusually strong grip.
Rei, filled with queer breaths and an angered shaking, lit a small flame from her hand "You have been bewitched, she's been bewitched! The garment that...poisoned Lady Minako-chan was sent as a gift from this...Lady...of Jupiter. I'm sorry but such treason, as Maiestas has said, is unspoken of in such circumstances! She must be punished! Jupiter must be punished!" she gasped filled with tears before casting her fifth spell.
Ami, also breathing intensely, took the next piece of paper off of Makoto's forehead and chucked it to the ground "It's not Lady Makoto-chan who has been bewitched, it's you! Maiestas is evil and hateful! He's trying to...to...I don't know but Makoto-chan is good. She wouldn't do anything to harm anyone one of us! You are princess of Mars! You must foresee something! What's blinding you? You see much more than us! Tell me!" she cried urgently as she felt the taller girl's force break against her grip.
Rei took a long, very painful breath before answering "I am not of a heart's mind but suddenly I am feeling weak because of it. I have no one which means I am no one. To foresee I have to confide, I have to trust to have a future. The only thing I foresee is seeing nothing. Which means I have to trust someone or fail my duties as a Seer and a Martian" - she looked at Makoto who looked back knowingly but threat fully - "I trust you Lady Ami-chan, for now, which will help us in my skills" she finished delicately. Ami looked at Rei with a deep understanding, something most would never understand, and they both nodded before connecting and giving each other a peck on the cheek. This gesture was normal and not uncommon, except on Jupiter.
Makoto quickly stood up and grabbed the miko's still injured arm, separating the two "Martian's aren't to be trusted, I know for a fact, keep away from her!" she menaced before lifting her shirt and revealing a profusely bleeding side, still covered by bandages.
"Lady Makoto-chan! Let me help!" Ami cried before she was rudely but gently thrown onto the bed. She watched as the brunette slowly twisted Rei's arm until it began to bleed again. The miko, very strong spiritually but not as much physically, fell to the floor in agony until she pled for mercy.
"Makoto! Makoto! Stop! Stop! Stop you stupid brute! You idiotic warrior! Stop!" Ami cried with such force that it inhaled the sounds of fighting.
The brunette, holding both of Rei's arms, immediately halted and turned to stare frighteningly at the smaller girl. Like a sorrowed soldier, hurt but too proud to protest, Makoto swiftly let go and stomped to the door, her posture brilliant for a moment but then shattered by shaking fists. She stared angrily at both girl's before drastically running heatedly down the hall.
Both princesses kept quiet for a little before the miko began to laugh much too heartedly "I can't believe it! It's true! I thought you Mercurians were smart!" she laughed lifting her head up in spite.
Ami, drowned with sorrow and burning resentment, slapped Rei before quickly wrapping her arms around her and kissing the Martian princess. The moment was awful and unrequited before the two detached and stared at each other utterly repented.
"Why have you done such a thing? It is...terrible!" the miko demanded with extreme defiance. She backed away until her head banged against the wall. She stared at the blue haired girl in front of her with hatred until...
"...I'm quite sorry Lady Minako-chan, I was just finding my way to my own room..." came Makoto's very harsh but beautiful voice from the hall. The black and blue haired girls stopped to listen.
"...I'm sorry as well, I didn't mean to wake you Makoto-chan...perhaps I may join you in your room? I'm feeling quite well and I fear we haven't become formally acquainted" came the smaller girl's voice before a familiar giggle rang down the echoed hall. Such a sound made Rei slam against the thick door, leaving her hand swollen and bleeding.
"...Lady Rei-chan, you're very hurt, let me treat you!" cried Ami as she noticed the blood searing from her friend's arm.
"Their heads will end up on a spike if we do not do something! It's the law! Without consent two planets may not marry! There will be no guardians for the princess if they act on this!" the miko kept protesting.
With heart breaking difficulty Ami declined "They are being friendly, I believe. I know you don't agree in it but we must trust each other...with a heart, which is difficult for me as well..." she said warily and deprived.
As they both stood, thoughtful and unconsciously in love, several soldier's arrived by the steps of the corridors, led by Maiestas. The two senshi felt fear and sickness but they stood their ground as the small troop approached.
"Lady Makoto-chan, princess and heiress to the throne of Jupiter! By the natural and established laws of the empire I must inform you that you will be arrested and tried for treason and attempted murder of a Lady Minako-chan, princess and heiress to the throne of Venus. Any struggle or defiance on your part will be met with the use of physical force on our behalf legitimacy!" One of the soldiers, newly appointed to Maiestas and called Proditor, cried out before banging his sword three times against his Lunar shield.
Minako, her appearance strange due to her bandaged neck and wrists, scoffed as she limped a little towards the old man she despised "Maiestas, stop this. I don't believe Makoto-chan were to do such a thing. Any beliefs you have supporting such an accusation may be formally retired by me. I forgive her" she said with a smug smile and childish tone.
"That's no longer a concern of yours, my lady. The law establishes that such a threat, whomever it may come from, will be handled by the appropriate authorities and I assure you with proper jurisdiction. Now please, step aside" Maiestas answered defiantly before carefully moving the blonde away and directing himself towards a very angry looking Makoto.
"No! She hasn't done anything! Where's Queen Serenity? You can't!" Minako protested as she turned and pushed the old man aside and stood in front of her Jovian friend. The soldiers pushed forward and menaced, careful to present their swords as mere threat.
"She will be informed first thing in the morning, I promise. For now, the law finds Lady Makoto-chan a criminal, she must be taken away" Maiestas explained casually before motioning the soldiers behind him.
For a moment it seemed like Minako was about to punch the old man but a strong grip on her shoulder stopped her. Makoto held the blonde and pulled her aside, giving her a kind smile before she presented herself onto the troop and Maiestas. Silently and with a proud chin up she showed her hands in defeat. Quickly, Proditor slammed two thick cuffs around the brunette's wrist before backing away, in fear she would recognize him.
"Lady Makoto-chan, kneel down. Forgive me but we must take precautions, kneel down"
"What? No! I will never kneel down to you or anyone! I've already allowed you to humiliate me!" Makoto cried as she shook the iron cuffs on her hands.
"As you wish" Maiestas said calmly before motioning two fingers towards them. Three soldiers quickly advanced forward and were fast to force the tall girl down and place a very thick and wide cuff around her neck attached to a chain. The brunette panicked and began to thrust against the strong bonds, kicking and yelling before she finally hit a soldier across the face.
"Makoto! No!" Ami cried from the other side of the hall. The small intellectual launched herself forward before Rei, who stood just as shocked, grabbed her.
"Go on" the Mercurian man said before beginning to stride away nonchalantly down the corridor. One of the soldiers holding down Makoto hit her across the face, staining the wall with blood before the Jovian fell unconscious. Patting his wounded friend and chuckling, they both pulled their prisoner across the cold floor, leaving a crimson stain as they walked.
"No! NO! Stop! Please! Let go of me! STOP! MY MOTHER WILL HEAR OF THIS! YOU'LL ALL BE DEAD By tomorrow..." Ami began screaming, trying to rid herself of Rei's grasp, before she slowly and defeatedly fell limp to the floor in tears.
"I'm sorry Ami-chan, I didn't want them to hurt you too" Rei whispered kindly as she knelt down and gave her Mercurian comrade a cold pat on the back. She looked over to Minako who was also kneeling and crying, her sobs drowning the hall where all three of them choked.
"No, I won't give in! I'll go to my mother! She'll punish those fools and make this alright! Don't worry!" Ami suddenly separated herself from the miko's unfriendly gesture and stood up. Feeling as if drunk, she took an unsteady step forward before beginning to stride down the corridor with a frightful glance in her eye.
"Ami-chan, please don't go! I feel...it won't go well, trust me! I KNOW Lady Makoto-chan will be fine only if you don't go!" Rei, kneeling broken, pleaded as she watched her fellow guardian continue her path. She knew it wouldn't stop her but her voice needed to be heard.
The genius, striding angrily with each step, passed along Minako who was still worn down on the floor sobbing. Ami stopped and placed a gentle hand on her friend's shoulder "Don't worry Mina-chan, I'll make this right" she whispered confidently before returning on her path.
The blonde almost laughed sadly "No you won't" she grumbled before burrowing her face in her legs again. Only a soft kiss on the cheek, the smell she recognized, made her feel better. "Thank you, Rei-chan".
Seeing the double doors of her mother's room grow closer and closer, Ami's heart began to pound like never before. Fearing the intense feeling would grow worse if she turned back, the genius jogged and than began running. Her breathing was so harsh we felt dizzy but she knew she could no longer resist. She arrived, her heart bursting and her hands tingling, and entered like a brave warrior preparing for war. She was prepared to find a strong and determined leader, sleeping soundly on the eve of a determining war; if it was possible her heart broke even more.
The room was dark except for a single candle lit by the bedside. A tall figure stood twitching by the darkest corner. The person was sobbing uncontrollably, the crying was eerie and ghostly. With a soft click of both doors the whimpering seized.
"Who's there?" Saeko demanded as she turned from her hidden darkness and wiped her flowing tears.
Ami felt terribly awkward but much too determined "It's...it's me mother! Ami-chan! I'm sorry to intrude but I need your help!" she urged, she stepped forward but felt too afraid to approach the delicate woman.
"Young girl, this is a perfectly terrible time to intrude. I am not of sane mind right now..." the older woman said tiredly.
The bluenette hesitated but she remembered the softness of infatuation and exhilaration or courage, breathing heavily she spoke "Lady Makoto-chan, the princess of Jupiter has been arrested unfoundedly! She was treated terribly and I wish, I demand, you stop this nonsense! Please, mother! Ami pleaded as tears began to fill her eyes.
Saeko turned to her daughter, her eyes swollen and blurry from crying so much, and shook her head before more tears came out "They've found your father. He's dead Ami-chan. Your father is dead" she mumbled before breaking into tears again.
With a loud gulp of salty and dry liquid, Ami breathed "How mother? How did he die?" she asked feeling her jaw tense in pain and her eyes drown with tears.
"I dare not say"
"You've never dared say anything! Tell me!" the genius croaked, painful to her throat. Her eyes exploded with tears.
Saeko, drenched in tears and playing anxiously with her wedding finger, nodded "He was killed on Earth. He left us to fight but...we was easily convinced...or bewitched...I don't know. He became evil...or maybe he always was...I don't know!" she mumbled before breaking down.
Ami ran to her mother and shook her "Father was never evil! Why do you say that?" she demanded as she began to grow furious.
The Queen quivered "He desired death! He desired a life of fighting and lust! He...he always wanted you to be a guardian! To follow these idiotic laws of protecting the Lunar princess! I've always wanted you to be the best healer in the galaxy, not some brute warrior with strength but no brain. You'll die, like your father has" she finished before pulling her daughter into a tight and very unfamiliar hug.
Ami appreciated the affection, in fact, she was overwhelmed by it. Holding her mother so close she whispered "I'm sorry" before giving her a peck on the cheek.
Saeko in great relief wiped her tears and smiled "Your father's body will be brought this morning by the Terran prince Endymion and his generals. I believe Zoisite, one of his generals, has a thing for us Mercurian's. He seems sensitive and wise. Perhaps you might...fancy him?" the woman chuckled behind her worn out face.
Ami was too tired and confused to feel anything, instead she cried "I don't care! Help Lady Makoto-chan! She did nothing! My father left me, she did not!" she screamed looking up at her horrible looking mother.
"I'm sorry girl but tomorrow,when the Terran's bring your father's body and we have the funeral, General Zoisite will propose and you will say yes" Saeko challenged before grinning down at her angered and frustrated daughter - "If you marry him, you'll be able to save Lady Makoto-chan's life. He's willing to forgive her as your friend, do you agree?" she said trying to restrain a tear from her eye which feel anyway.
Ami held her mouth in despair before she covered her eyes. The only expressions visible were disguised as she nodded, her heart pounding as she thought of Makoto. Tears filled her hands as she felt her mother leave, Ami fell to the ground and felt death closing in.
000
Makoto awakened with a sudden and very painful attack to her head. She felt her jaw and discovered blood searing from her cheek up to her throbbing head. Another pain, one she already knew, cringed from her side which had before became known. She tried to move slowly and which was alright before she tried to stand up and felt her neck and arms cringe against very rusty and hard metal.
"Hello? Hello! Please! I'm the princess of Jupiter! Have you spoken with the Queen? I need help! My head and side are bleeding! HELP!" she cried desperately as blood started to smear the floor much too quickly.
A small chuckle neared the bars where Makoto was held "You'll be killed before you leave here, he he" the man said before disappearing.
0000
Please review, long time, long very long long time!